A new oxalate co-conversion technology based on liquid/liquid extraction columns

The current objective of fabricating non proliferating nuclear fuel by 'direct' coprecipitation of uranium, plutonium and minor actinides requires a new process to replace the (co)precipitation step. The technological impact of an increased capacity on the work zone could require the development of a different concept for a continuous device capable of ensuring the proposed goal. A new type of device designed and patented by the Cea was tested in 2007. The patent is for organic confinement in a pulsed column. First, precipitation of cerium or neodymium alone has been carried out in this device, with satisfactory results. Moreover, a recent test campaign demonstrated that a uranium-cerium co-precipitate easily forms when the two nitrates are mixed in a pulsed column of the same size operating under very similar process conditions. Qualitatively, the co-precipitate meets the process requirements. (authors)